The holidays are just around the corner, which means lots of quality time with the people you love. It also means there won’t be enough hours in the day to get everything taken care of that you want to accomplish. With online shopping probably happening more this year (thanks, COVID), hitting up local NJ spots searching for the perfect present is more of a challenge than ever. But we’ve got you covered with gifts from local stores that offer delivery or curbside pickup as well as shipping. Simply peruse and choose to wow those on your list (and pick a little something up for yourself)—happy shopping!
Psst! We love seeing your social-distancing New Jersey adventures. Be sure to tag your photos with #NJMOM and @njmom for a chance to be featured in our round-up next week.
FUN AND GAMES FOR KIDS OF ALL AGES
Inklings Plush and Infant Novel Set
Babies and their mamas cannot get enough of these adorable plush animals with book sets created by an NJMOM. Their bodies are snuggly; their bellies rattle; their ears crunch—and their books send positive messages. Holiday Deal—from Sunday 11/29 – Saturday 12/5 buy 1, get one free at Target stores. Choose Ollie the Oddball Oddbird or Wobby the Wild Eared Wala and get the other one for free. $19.99 at Target.
Wood Dreidel
Whether it’s used primarily as a spinning top or put in motion for the traditional Hebrew game, this colorful wooden dreidel will see plenty of playing time. $3 at Occasionette, Collingswood, NJ.
Mismatched Socks
Perfectly mismatched, super-cute socks that send the message to children to embrace their differences. Multiple sizes to fit babies through adults. $12 at The Dainty Dandelion, Chester, NJ.
University Games Glowing 3-D Solar System
Surprise someone special with a starry night sky—this one has a glowing 3-D Solar System, over 200 glow-in-the-dark planets and stars, and fascinating facts. $24.99 at Just Kidding Around, Montclair, NJ. Curbside pickup and delivery to surrounding towns.
Just My Style Magical Unicorn Tie-Dye Kit
This kit contains enough goods to create 15 unicorn-inspired colorful projects on soon-to-be-favorite cotton tees, tanks, socks, and more. Ages 8 and up. $6.99 at Learning Express, Shrewsbury, NJ. In-store shopping and curbside pickup.
American Ninja Warrior Bounce Ball Race Set
They’ll burn off some energy with this high-impact, fast-paced, outdoor race against each other set. Ideal for ages 8-14yrs. $34.99 at Learning Express, Shrewsbury, NJ. In-store shopping and curbside pickup.
Puzzles
Working on puzzles teaches littles physical, cognitive, and emotional skills and is also a great mental exercise for tweens, teens, and adults. Plus, you can think of them as a form of meditation—the finished puzzle is just a bonus! jaZams in Princeton, NJ, has a huge assortment of great ones for all ages, $12.99 and up.
Shupaca-Alpaca Stuffies
Kids love petting alpacas, and if you give them one of these sweet stuffies, they’ll keep that feeling all winter long. These fluffy friends are made from all-natural alpaca fleece and are the ideal snuggle buddies for cozy nights at home. Prices range from $20-$59 each. Available at Edel Haus Farm or call to purchase and pick up.
Harry Potter Paperback Books 1-7 Boxed Set
The ultimate Harry Potter Collection for Potter newcomers and die-hard fans, best for ages 8 and up. $100 at Words Bookstore in Maplewood.
Kid Made Modern Crayon Library
Tweens want everything that doesn’t scream kiddo, so a sophisticated crayon set should fit the bill and replace that worn set they’ve had since kindergarten. $9.95 at A Paper Hat.
BEAUTY & STYLE
French Girl Organics Calming Rose Sea Soak
This is clean beauty at its best and the perfect gift for anyone in need of a little rest and relaxation, courtesy of a long, hot, restorative soak in the tub. Free shipping or doorstep delivery. $24 at Rose City Beauty, Madison NJ.
Repechage Hand Care Duo
Winter can be harsh on those extremities! Hands will stay soft, smooth, and safe with this Hand Sanitizer and Sea Spa Hand Cream Duo. $39 at Vito Mazza Salon & Spa in Woodbridge, NJ.
PJ Salvage Cable Knit Booties
These extra-cozy, Sherpa-fleece lined, cable knit sweater booties will keep your feet warm and toasty all winter long. Available in Ivory or Charcoal for $58 at Willow Street in Morristown or Summit, NJ. In-store and online shopping. Curbside pickup option available online.
Sweet Dreams Silk Eye Mask
If you ask any mom what she wants, it’s probably a chance to sleep in (if only). Give your favorite mom a way to get some extra shut-eye with this pretty, silk, light-blocking eye mask. $34 at A. Home, Summit NJ. Curbside pickup, appointment shopping, and delivery available.
Bevastyles Jewelry by Lisa Coppola
Interesting, beautiful handcrafted jewelry with vintage vibes–the hardest part will be deciding if you should keep it or gift it to a friend. $34 and up. Available at Atelier Rosal in Rahway, NJ.
Schott NYC T-Shirt
You can’t go wrong with a graphic tee – they’ve been around since the 60s and are more popular than ever. He’ll love this sophisticated, art-house style one that elevates him to cool dad level as soon as he puts it on. $36, S-XL. Available at City Workshop, Men’s Supply Co in Maplewood, NJ.
Petite Beleine Micro Bead Necklace
She’ll live in this 16” handmade, Japanese micro bead necklace on a 14k gold chain. It’s striking and versatile enough to wear alone or layer with other necklaces. Available in an assortment of beautiful color combinations. $158 at beautylounge in Summit, NJ. In-store on online shopping with complimentary shipping on orders over $100.
WELLNESS
Island Spa & Sauna
Give the gift of self-care to your loved ones (or yourself) with this special for now or later: For the entire month of December, all Island Spa & Sauna gift cards are 10% off in-store and online. Additionally, gift cards of $300 and over will come with a free admission pass valid any day of the week (Weekday reg. $30, weekend reg. $35). Gift cards can be used towards any purchase at the spa, from admission to food to services. And for the perfect family outing, Island Spa & Sauna in Edison, NJ will be hosting Family Days on Dec. 24-25th and Dec. 31-Jan.1 to ring in 2021.
The Bar Method Online
Social distancing makes it a little tricky to get a spot in an exercise studio. Online classes make working out accessible for all. Give the gift of long, lean, sculpted, strong muscles by presenting someone with a 3, 6, or 12-month video streaming membership at The Bar Method. Priced at $55 for 3-months, $105 for 6 months, and $195 for 1 year.
Live Stream Yoga Classes
If you’ve got someone who loves the calming balm of a yoga class, get them this epic deal that gives 3 classes for $30 at this Best of Essex County Winner, Indigo Yoga Studio in Caldwell, NJ. Classes run up to 45 minutes, and every skill level (including prenatal) is offered.
Aipower Wearbuds AI-W20
Time for a tech upgrade—who wouldn’t love these true Bluetooth earbuds and smartwatch combo that also acts as a fully functioning fitness tracker, too? It has a heart rate monitor, sleep monitor, pedometer, calorie counter, and step counter, plus it houses a charger in the wrist band for charging on the go.$179 at b8ta in Short Hills, NJ. Instore or online purchase.
HOME
Costa Farms Norfolk Island Pine Tree
This houseplant in a red 2.25-Gallon plastic planter looks so much like an actual pine tree you’ll have fun adding some bling. When the season’s over, and it’s time to shed the tinsel and ornaments, keep it indoors to warm up your home and add healthy 02 to the air. $19.98 in at Lowes’ stores.
Oak Hill Farm Honey Comb
The foodie in your life will be forever grateful, whether they choose to eat this with a spoon straight out of the jar, drizzle it in their morning oatmeal, or upgrade their charcuterie board when entertaining.
$15 at Oak Hill Farm for in-store pickup and online purchase.
Fit Food Meal Delivery Service
Because eating at home is now all the time: Surprise someone living in Monmouth, Ocean, or Middlesex county with nutritionally balanced, perfectly portioned, clean, healthy, chef-inspired meals ready to heat and eat, delivered right to their front door. Menu prices start at $5 and go up from there and everything is ordered online.
DIY Baking Kit: Apple Cider Donuts
These out-of-this-world-delicious donuts are so, so good. When fresh from the oven, they’re the perfect excuse to bring loved ones together. $24.95 Kanibal & Co. in Jersey City, NJ.
Asanoha Colors Dish Set
Chances are, someone on your list could use some new china to brighten up their meals. This colorful, geometric pattern dish set is microwave and dishwasher safe and comes boxed in a beautiful black gift box, ready for gifting. $25 for four, available at Miya in Princeton, NJ.
Como Throw Blanket
We’re sure you know just the person who can use a fun, new throw blanket to curl up with on chilly days and nights. This lightweight, cotton, bold striped blanket blends well with most decor and will jazz up a reading chair or boring WFH space. $195 at Nest in Red Bank, NJ.
Happy Box x Hoboken Girl Local Love Box
Send your favorite Hoboken Girl some local cheer this holiday season with this Happy Box assortment of things we love from small businesses in The Mile Square City and surrounding areas. With a magnet, candle, dried flower arrangement, cookies (from NJMOM fave Bangz), and your choice of illustrated holiday cards, this is the perfect gift to give and receive some Hudson County love. $62 for the box, available online.
SPECIAL EXPERIENCES
Paper Mill Playhouse 2020-2021 Subscription Live Streaming Series
The show must go on—and thanks to Paper Mill Playhouse’s new season of live streaming concerts and musical theater productions, theater buffs can safely continue to get their fix and support the arts in the process. This season’s high caliber productions include The Women of Broadway, featuring Vanessa Williams, Sing in A New Year, Some Enchanted Evening, Pete N’ Keely, and Beehive: The 60’s Musical. $275 per person for all five events.
Bradley Brew Project
Surprise the beer-loving guys and gals in your life with local brews from this Bradley Beach, NJ microbrewery. While you can still make reservations for social-distanced indoor and outdoor seating (for now), why not bring the brew experience home? Put together a tasting selection of pale ales, IPA’s, lagers, stouts, and more and purchase it through their online store, open for curbside pickup and delivery within a 10-mile radius of the brewery Wednesday through Sunday.
Montclair Art Museum Virtual Creating
Give them the gift of learning or creating with Virtual MAM’s Zoom lectures with artists and poets and workshops where you’ll focus on a particular medium and end the evening with a completed work of art. Prices start at $10 for lectures, $50 for workshops.
